Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the role of meteorological conditions in the etiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) in patients living in Istanbul.

METHODS: In the study, between January 1, 2008 and May 31, 2015, records of 670 patients (379 males, 291 females; mean age 45.3±15.6 years; range, 10 to 98 years) with a referring diagnosis of ISSHL were examined retrospectively. Weather parameters used in the comparison were mean daily temperature (°C), mean humidity (%), mean wind speed (meter/second), and mean atmospheric pressure (hectopascal).

RESULTS: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss was most frequently seen in the months of March, April, May, and June. The mean atmospheric pressures were statistically lower (p=0.005) on ISSHL-related (positive) days than on ISSHL-unrelated (negative) days. Humidity was significantly higher on positive days (p=0.002). The mean temperature was significantly higher on positive days than on negative days (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss is more frequently seen in the spring. Low atmospheric pressure, high temperature, and high humidity are associated with ISSHL.